About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 10, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A

Uterine Fibroids (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis

A woman's health care practitioner will discuss her medical history and conduct a physical examination that includes a pelvic exam. Often a doctor can feel an irregularly shaped uterus when fibroids are present.

If further studies are indicated, the doctor may choose one of the following tests to help decide if the patient has fibroids and to exclude other and potentially more serious causes of ongoing symptoms:

  • An abdominal, transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound can help identify the number, size, and shape of most fibroids. These test use sound waves to give doctors an image of the pelvic area. A wand is passed over the abdomen (abdominal ultrasound) for one type of view. Another probe (or wand) may be inserted into the vagina to obtain additional views (pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound).

  • An endometrial biopsy is performed by taking a tissue sample from the uterus. A small instrument is passed through the cervical opening to "grab" small samples of tissue inside the uterus. It can be performed at a doctor's office.

  • A hysteroscopy looks at the uterus by passing a small fiberoptic camera through the opening of the cervix.

  • Hysterosalpingography involves injection of dye into the uterus and Fallopian tubes, which is then X-rayed to identify the anatomy of these structures.

  • Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure. The surgeon will insert a small fiberoptic camera into the abdomen through small abdominal incisions to look directly at internal organs.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors Of The Uterus) - Experiences

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Did you have your uterine fibroids removed? Describe your experience.

Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors Of The Uterus) - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:

Please describe your experience with uterine fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus).

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Uterine Fibriod Embolization »

Uterine leiomyomas, better known as uterine fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies